Infrastructure update

INFRASTRUCTURE

ROADWORKS REVIEW

Council manages over 290km of roads throughout the municipality, and each year we undertake improvements and upgrades to ensure they are safe and functional for all drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. 2022 was no exception, with the completion of several significant road infrastructure projects. Seven local streets were given a new lease on life this year with ageing asphalt resurfaced. Some also received raised crossings for pedestrians and prams. Others had footpaths paved, nature strips landscaped, line markings painted, and traffic signs installed. Where needed, drainage has also been reconstructed. Over 30 speed humps were added at various locations in response to community concerns about drivers travelling too fast through residential streets. A separated bike lane was also installed on French Street in Footscray to support safer travel for bike riders. Several other enhancements to local roads are coming in 2023. Watch this space for updates, or please visit

maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/roads

WESTERN LAWN UPDATE

The tender submissions for the planned multi-million dollar upgrade to the Western Lawn at Footscray Park have now closed. Council has accelerated the repair program and allocated resources to reconstruct and reinstate the much loved open space that had become increasingly degraded over time, due to the saline soils, poor drainage, and high levels of use. The design includes the effective drainage system, irrigation and warm-season turf that will allow for greater use of the site. The upgrade will commence this summer and likely be complete in April 2023.

NEW SOLAR POWERED 40KM SIGNAGE

In 2021, Council secured funding from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund for road safety works along Somerville Road in Yarraville, which included the installation of four solar-powered electronic speed limit signs. The signs flash 40 during the morning and afternoon school times, reminding drivers to slow down and drive to the speed limit at a time when many of our youngest and most vulnerable road users are walking, cycling or scooting along Somerville Road. The installation supports Council’s Safer Local Roads Program, which has seen speeds on most local roads now reduced to 40km/hr. The five-year program focused on achieving safer speeds, encouraging sustainable transport, and creating a safer road environment for all road users – pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. For more information, visit

maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/saferlocalroads

FLOOD RECOVERY PLAN FOR OUR OPEN SPACES AND SPORTS FACILITIES

Many of our municipality's beloved open spaces and sports facilities were inundated with flood waters when the Maribyrnong River burst its banks in October. This impact has been significant, and the road to recovery will take some time. But we have been working around the clock to assess the damage and develop plans to safely return these venues to the community as quickly as possible. The bike paths, playgrounds, BBQ and picnic facilities, and fitness equipment along the River trail were all impacted by the floods, and we are working to repair and open these for public use as quickly as possible. Some spaces may still be undergoing repairs – please stay safe and steer clear of fenced and taped-off areas. Our sports facilities at Henry Turner North and South, Footscray Boating Club, and Maribyrnong Reserve were also impacted, with building inspections and deep cleansing being undertaken. There is an increased risk of gastroenteritis (stomach bugs) associated with recently flooded parkland. Be sure to practice good hand hygiene when around flood affected areas. We look forward to welcoming you back to our sports facilities and open spaces to once again enjoy, once we are able to make them safe. For up-to-date information about the parks and open spaces that have been impacted by the flood, visit

maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/flood

MAGANDEE CAFÉ AND THAI RESTAURANT

BRINGING A UNIQUE FOODIE EXPERIENCE TO HOPKINS STREET, FOOTSCRAY

Since opening a year ago, Magandee Café and Thai Restaurant has built up a loyal following for its authentic Thai flavours and quirky decor. Owner Wirut Khemnak shares his passion for Thai street food by serving dishes hugely popular in his native Bangkok, which he says you will struggle to find on the menu elsewhere in Melbourne. “I wanted to introduce new dishes to the local community," Wirut says. Specialties include Kao Mun Gai, a Thai variation of Hainanese chicken rice. Others to try include Kua Tiao Ruer, also known as Thai Boat Noodles, and Pla Tod, a deep-fried fish served with apple salad and jasmine rice. Wirut's background as a photographer and art teacher is also reflected in the decor at Magandee. The colourful dining space is akin to a museum, consisting of photos, anime figurines, vinyl records, vintage light fittings, musical instruments and memorabilia from the 1950s and 1960s. There is even a jukebox and a 1980s arcade game. Magandee Café and Thai Restaurant 1A/68 Hopkins St, Footscray magandeecafe.wixsite.com/magandeerestaurant @magandeecafe

HOW TO CONTACT

YOUR COUNCILLOR

RIVER WARD CR SARAH CARTER

MAYOR

E: cr.carter@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au Ph: 0432 139 612

CR ANTHONY TRAN E: cr.tran@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au Ph: 0400 359 984

STONY CREEK WARD CR CUC LAM

DEPUTY MAYOR

E: cr.lam@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au Ph: 0429 383 099

CR BERNADETTE THOMAS E: cr.thomas@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au Ph: 0407 599 698

YARRAVILLE WARD CR MICHAEL CLARKE E: cr.clarke@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au Ph: 0435 340 699

CR SIMON CRAWFORD E: cr.crawford@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au Ph: 0429 388 196

CR JORGE JORQUERA E: cr.jorquera@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au Ph: 0416 200 922

You can also write to your Ward Councillor: c/- Maribyrnong City Council, PO Box 58, West Footscray 3012. If you don’t know who your Ward Councillor is, please contact Customer Service on 9688 0200 or fax 9687 7793.

For requests, comments and questions about Council services and programs, go to maribyrnong.vic.gov.au or call Customer Service on 9688 0200.

Disclaimer: Although all due care has been taken in the preparation of the Maribyrnong Messenger and its contents, Maribyrnong City Council does not accept any liability for any statement, opinions, errors or ommissions contained herein. Fees quoted are subject to change without notice. Event details are subject to change without notice. All information has been collected according to privacy information guidelines.

MARIBYRNONG CITY COUNCIL

Postal Address: PO Box 58, West Footscray, Victoria 3012 Phone: 9688 0200 Fax: 9687 7793 After Hours/Emergency: 9688 0200 Email: email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au maribyrnong.vic.gov.au